U.S. patent application number 09/990672 was filed with the patent office on 2002-08-15 for parking status control system and method.
Invention is credited to Katz, Yoram.
Application Number | 20020109610 09/990672 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 27120292 |
Filed Date | 2002-08-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020109610 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Katz, Yoram |
August 15, 2002 |
Parking status control system and method
Abstract
A parking status control system and method allow a parking
space, or plurality of parking spaces, to be automatically
monitored to detect unauthorized occupancy. The system and method
may be applied to metered parking spaces or to other situations
where controlled access to a parking space or area is desired. The
presence or lack of a vehicle in a monitored parking space is
determined using a vehicle presence detector, which communicates a
signal indicative of such presence to a central system. A user or
vehicle based authorization module is configured to transmit an
authorization input to facilitate automated satisfaction of a space
authorization device, e.g., payment of a parking meter. If there is
occupancy, but no proper authorization input, the central system
declares a violation and communicates the violation to another
system or individual charged with taking corrective action.
Inventors: |
Katz, Yoram; (Chestnut Hill,
MA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Mark G. Lappin
McDermott, Will & Emery
28 State Street
Boston
MA
02109
US
|
Family ID: |
27120292 |
Appl. No.: |
09/990672 |
Filed: |
November 14, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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09990672 |
Nov 14, 2001 |
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09784519 |
Feb 15, 2001 |
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6344806 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
340/932.2 ;
340/933 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07B 15/02 20130101;
G08G 1/14 20130101; G08G 1/017 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
340/932.2 ;
340/933 |
International
Class: |
G08G 001/14 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An automated parking space monitoring system configured to
monitor a plurality of parking spaces, said monitoring system
comprising: A. a database comprising a unique space identification
associated with each of said parking spaces; B. a plurality of
vehicle presence detectors, wherein each vehicle presence detector
is configured to provide an indication of the presence of a vehicle
in an associated one of said parking spaces; C. one or more
transceivers configured to generate an authorization signal as a
function of a set of valid inputs; D. a communication means,
associated with one or more of said parking spaces and configured
to receive: 1) vehicle presence indications from a corresponding
set of vehicle presence detectors; and 2) authorization signals
from said transceivers; and E. a controller coupled to said
database and said communication means, said controller configured
to selectively authorize use of an occupied space, from said
plurality of parking spaces, as function of: 1) a space
identification corresponding to said occupied space; 2) a vehicle
presence indication associated with said occupied space; and 3) an
authorization signal associated with said occupied space, wherein
said communication means includes at least one of a wireless
communication link or a wired communication link.
2. A system in claim 1, wherein said communication means includes
one or more of: a) Internet; b) World Wide Web; c) intranet; d)
extranet; e) virtual private network; d) cellular network; e)
telephone network; f) fiber optic network; g) cable network; h)
satellite network; and i) GPS link.
3. A system as in claim 1, wherein said transceiver includes: 1) a
card reader, as an input means of at least some of said valid
inputs, wherein said card reader is configured to read one or more
of a magnetic card, credit card, a debit card, a prepaid parking
card having parking credits stored thereon, or an identification
card, including a user identification or a vehicle identification
card.
4. A system as in claim 1, wherein said transceiver is a portable
transceiver.
5. A system as in claim 1, wherein said transceiver is a meter
transceiver.
6. A system as in claim 1, wherein said parking space is a space
chosen from a group comprising: a) publicly metered spaces; b)
assigned parking garage spaces; and c) unassigned parking garage
spaces.
7. A system as in claim 1, wherein said transceivers include an
output means and said controller is further configured to
selectively communicate messages to said transceivers, wherein said
messages are output at said output means.
8. A system as in claim 7, wherein said output means includes a
display and said messages include alert messages rendered via said
display.
9. An automated parking space monitoring system configured to
monitor a plurality of parking spaces, said monitoring system
comprising: A. a database comprising a unique space identification
associated with each of said parking spaces; B. a plurality of
vehicle presence detectors, wherein each vehicle presence detector
is configured to provide an indication of the presence of a vehicle
in an associated one of said parking spaces; C. one or more
transceivers configured to generate an authorization signal as a
function of a set of valid inputs; D. a communication means,
associated with one or more of said parking spaces and configured
to receive: 1) vehicle presence indications from a corresponding
set of vehicle presence detectors; and 2) authorization signals
from said transceivers; and E. a controller coupled to said
database and said communication means, said controller configured
to selectively authorize use of an occupied space, from said
plurality of parking spaces, as function of: 1) a space
identification corresponding to said occupied space; 2) a vehicle
presence indication associated with said occupied space; and 3) an
authorization signal associated with said occupied space, wherein
said controller is further configured to generate a violation
signal as a function of said vehicle presence indication and the
absence of said authorization signal.
10. A system as in claim 9, wherein said controller is further
configured to communicate said violation signal to one or more
enforcement systems via a network.
11. A system as in claim 9, wherein said controller is further
configured to communicate said violation signal to a user device
via a network, said user device chosen from a group of devices
including: a) an e-mail device; b) a personal computer; c) a
personal digital assistant; d) a telephone; and e) a pager.
12. An automated parking space monitoring system configured to
monitor a plurality of parking spaces, said monitoring system
comprising: A. a database comprising a unique space identification
associated with each of said parking spaces; B. a plurality of
vehicle presence detectors, wherein each vehicle presence detector
is configured to provide an indication of the presence of a vehicle
in an associated one of said parking spaces; C. one or more
transceivers configured to generate an authorization signal as a
function of a set of valid inputs; D. a communication means,
associated with one or more of said parking spaces and configured
to receive: 1) vehicle presence indications from a corresponding
set of vehicle presence detectors; and 2) authorization signals
from said transceivers; and E. a controller coupled to said
database and said communication means, said controller configured
to selectively authorize use of an occupied space, from said
plurality of parking spaces, as function of: 1) a space
identification corresponding to said occupied space; 2) a vehicle
presence indication associated with said occupied space; and 3) an
authorization signal associated with said occupied space, wherein
said controller includes an interface with the Internet and
includes means to communicate information and messages from the
Internet and World Wide Web to and from said transceiver.
13. A system as in claim 12, wherein said transceiver is a portable
transceiver.
14. A system as in claim 12, wherein said transceiver is a meter
transceiver.
15. A monitor device, for use with a parking space monitoring
system configured to selectively authorize use of uniquely
identified parking spaces, said parking space monitoring system
including a set vehicle presence detectors associated with said
parking spaces and one or more transceivers, each transceiver
configured to generate a space-specific authorization signal for a
given on of said parking spaces, wherein said parking space
monitoring system is further configured to generate a
space-specific violation signal in response to the presence of a
vehicle in said parking space and absence of said authorization
signal, said monitor device comprising: A. a processor coupled to a
storage device and a power source; B. a receiver coupled to said
processor and configured to receive said violation signal; and C. a
set of output mechanisms coupled to said processor and configured
to output signals indicative of receipt of said violation signal,
wherein said output device includes a display configured to render
an indication of said parking space corresponding to said violation
signal.
16. A monitor device as in claim 15, wherein said meter monitor
device is a portable handheld device.
17. A monitor device as in claim 15, wherein said meter monitor
device is integral with a vehicle.
18. A monitor device as in claim 15, wherein in response to receipt
of a plurality of space-specific violation signals, said monitoring
device is further configured to output a route comprised of a
plurality of indications of parking spaces corresponding to said
plurality of space-specific violation signals.
19. A monitor device as in claim 18, further including a GPS link
and a module to generate said a route.
20. A monitor device as in claim 15, wherein each vehicle presence
detector is configured to provide an indication of the presence of
a vehicle in an associated one of said parking spaces, and wherein
said meter monitor device further includes: D. a vehicle presence
detector probe module, including a set of vehicle presence detector
diagnostic signal generation logic, configured to probe a vehicle
presence detector and to determine, as a function of said
diagnostic logic, if said probed vehicle presence detector is
operating properly.
21. A monitor device as in claim 15, wherein said parking space
monitoring system includes a central computer system and at least
one of said vehicle presence detectors or transceivers is
configured to communicate with said central computer system via a
transponder, and wherein said monitor device further includes: D. a
transponder probe module, including a set of transponder diagnostic
signal generation logic, configured to probe a transponder and to
determine, as a function of said diagnostic logic, if said probed
transponder is operating properly.
22. A monitor device as in claim 15, wherein at least some of said
transceivers are integral with parking meters, and wherein said
monitor device further includes: D. a meter probe module, including
a set of meter diagnostic signal generation logic, configured to
probe a meter and to determine, as a function of said diagnostic
logic, if said probed meter is operating properly.
23. A portable transceiver, for use with a parking space monitoring
system configured to selectively authorize use of a parking space,
from a database of uniquely identified parking spaces, said
portable transceiver comprising: A. a processor coupled to a
storage device and a power source; B. a set of user input devices,
configured to facilitate entry of a set of valid inputs, said valid
inputs including at least one of an identification of a user, an
identification of said transceiver, or parking credit, credit, or
debit account information; C. a signal generator configured to
generate an authorization signal as a function of said set of valid
inputs, wherein said authorization signal and a vehicle presence
indication from a space oriented vehicle detector are required by
said parking space monitoring system to authorize use of said
parking space; and D. a transmitter configured to transmit said
authorization signal in response to manipulation, said transmission
via a communication means that includes a wireless path.
24. A portable transceiver as in claim 23, wherein said portable
transceiver is configured to store parking credits, wherein said
authorization signal includes indicia of parking credits and said
controller is configured to apply said parking credits to pay fees
associated with said occupied parking space.
25. A portable transceiver as in claim 23, wherein said transceiver
includes, as one of said user input devices: E. a card reader
configured to read one or more of a magnetic card, credit card, a
debit card, a prepaid parking card having parking credits stored
thereon, or an identification card, including a user
identification, a vehicle identification card, or both.
26. A portable transceiver as in claim 23, wherein and said set of
valid inputs includes a PIN, and said transceiver includes, as one
of said user input devices, a keypad configured to facilitate entry
of said PIN.
27. A portable transceiver as in claim 23, wherein said transceiver
includes, as one user input devices, a keypad configured to
facilitate entry of text messages.
28. A portable transceiver as in claim 23, further including: F. a
display, configured to render one or more of text, video, or
graphic messages.
29. A portable transceiver as in claim 28, wherein said transceiver
includes a link to the Internet and said messages include messages
from at least one of the Internet and World Wide Web and said
transceiver further includes one or more output devices configured
to output said messages.
30. A portable transceiver as in claim 23, further configured to
output an indication of a vacant parking space.
31. A portable transceiver as in claim 23, wherein said transceiver
is integral with at least one of an e-mail device, a cellular
telephone, a toll token, a GPS module, or a personal digital
assistant.
32. A portable transceiver as in claim 23, wherein said
communication means includes one or more of: a) Internet; b) World
Wide Web; c) intranet; d) extranet; e) virtual private network; d)
cellular network; e) telephone network; f) fiber optic network; g)
cable network; h) satellite network; and i) GPS link.
33. A parking meter associated with at least one parking space, for
use with a parking space monitoring system including vehicle
presence detectors associated with a plurality of uniquely
identified parking spaces represented in a database, said parking
space monitoring system configured to selectively authorize use of
said parking spaces, said parking meter comprising: A. a meter
transceiver, including: 1) a processor coupled to a storage device
and a power source; 2) a signal generator configured to generate an
authorization signal as a function of a set of valid inputs,
wherein said authorization signal and a vehicle presence indication
from a corresponding vehicle presence detector are required by said
parking space monitoring system to authorize use of said parking
space; and 3) a communication means configured to transmit said
authorization signal via a network; B. a set of user input devices,
configured to facilitate entry of at least some of said set of
valid inputs, said set of valid inputs including at least one of an
identification of a user, an identification of said transceiver, or
parking credit information, credit account information, or debit
account information; and C. a set of output devices, configured to
present output information.
34. A meter device as is claim 33, wherein said network includes at
least one satellite link.
35. A meter as is claim 33, further including, as one of said user
input devices: D. a card reader configured to read one or more of a
magnetic card, credit card, a debit card, a prepaid parking card
having parking credits stored thereon, or an identification card,
including a user identification or a vehicle identification
card.
36. A meter as is claim 33, wherein and said set of valid inputs
includes a PIN, and said meter includes, as one of said user input
devices, a keypad configured to facilitate entry of said PIN.
37. A meter as is claim 33, wherein said meter includes, as one of
said user input devices, a keypad configured to facilitate entry of
text messages.
38. A meter as in claim 33, wherein one of said output devices is a
display, configured to render one or more of text, video, and
graphic messages.
39. A meter as in claim 33, wherein said communication means
includes a link to the Internet and said output information
includes messages from at least one of the Internet and World Wide
Web.
40. A meter as in claim 33, wherein said output information
includes information related to authorization to use or
availability of said parking space.
41. A method of monitoring a plurality of parking spaces, said
method comprising: A. detecting with a vehicle presence detector a
vehicle in an occupied space, from said plurality of parking
spaces, and generating a vehicle presence indication corresponding
to said occupied space; B. generating with a transceiver an
authorization signal as a function of a set of valid inputs; and C.
communicating said vehicle presence indication and said
authorization signal via one or more communication means to a
controller that is coupled to a database comprising a unique space
identification associated with each of said parking spaces; and D.
authorizing, by said controller, use of said occupied parking space
as a function of a space identification corresponding to said
occupied space and said vehicle presence indication and said
authorization signal.
42. A method as in claim 41, wherein said transceiver is a portable
transceiver.
43. A method as in claim 41, wherein said transceiver is a meter
transceiver.
44. A method as in claim 41, further comprising: E. generating by
said controller a violation signal as a function of the presence of
said vehicle presence indication and the absence of said
authorization signal.
45. A method as in claim 41, wherein said parking space is a space
chosen from a group comprising: a) publicly metered spaces; b)
assigned parking garage spaces; and c) unassigned parking garage
spaces.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of commonly owned
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/784,519, filed Feb. 15, 2001,
and claims the benefit of priority therefrom.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention generally relates to systems and
methods used in conjunction with vehicle parking spaces. More
specifically, the present invention relates to systems and methods
for monitoring and controlling usage of such vehicle parking
spaces.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] To an ever increasing degree there seems to be contention
for space on today's roadways. To accommodate the steady growth in
the population of vehicles, both personal and business vehicles,
project after project is undertaken to expand and revamp the
roadways, such as the multi-billion dollar "Big Dig" project in
Massachusetts. Along with the vast number of vehicles on the roads,
comes contention for parking spaces for those vehicles, primarily
in urban and, increasingly, in suburban areas.
[0004] As with any resource that is in relatively short supply and
high in demand, parking spaces frequently come at a cost.
Typically, in an urban or suburban area, a city or town will
provide metered public parking spaces. The parking meters accept
coins in return for time on the meter, which is allowed time in the
parking space associated with the meter. The typical parking meter
allows a relatively short maximum amount of time for parking, e.g.,
a two hour limit, before the time on the meter expires. When the
meter expires, the owner of a parked vehicle in the corresponding
parking space is subject to a citation or parking ticket. As a
result, if a vehicle owner wishes to park for an amount of time in
excess of the meters limit, the vehicle owner must return to the
meter and insert more coins before it expires. This tends, of
course, to be very frustrating for the vehicle owner.
[0005] To ensure adherence to the requirement to pay for metered
parking spaces or, in the alternative, to issue citations to
violators, the city or town employs individuals (sometimes referred
to as "meter maids") to go around the city or town and determine,
on a meter-by-meter basis, whether a violation at a meter has
occurred and, if so, to issue a citation. Of course, the
individuals come at some expense to the city or town and for the
large majority of the meters checked there is, in fact, no
violation. Therefore, this process of monitoring adherence to the
meter requirements is extremely inefficient and costly for cities
and towns.
[0006] Private parking spaces are also available in such areas
where parking spots are in short supply. These private spaces
typically also come at some expense to the vehicle owner, but offer
the convenience of not having to replenish the meter with coins
throughout the day. For other reasons, private parking spaces may
also be desirable, such as, for example, for greater security or
convenience. That is, an office building, resort, or club may offer
private parking spaces to its tenants, guests, or members. These
private parking spaces often come in the form of a parking garage
or lot that charges the vehicle owner based on time spent in the
garage or lot. Many of these private garages or lots issue a fixed
number of monthly parking passes for a monthly cost of $200 to
$300, for example, per parking space or pass. In some cases,
parking spaces are assigned to specific vehicles. With assigned
spaces, improperly parked vehicles are frequently towed, but
usually not until the proper occupant has determined that another
vehicle is improperly occupying his space. In other arrangements,
the public can use private parking garages and pay by the hour, for
example. In such private parking arrangements, the owner of the
private parking garage or lot often employs attendants to determine
the time spent in the garage and to collect the corresponding
payment from the vehicle owner.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention is a parking status control system and
method that automatically monitors one or more parking spaces for
unauthorized occupancy. Such parking spaces may be publicly metered
parking spaces or privately owned and controlled parking spaces.
When a space is occupied, the owner or user of a vehicle may
accomplish automated payment of parking fees, so as to avoid fines
associated with citations due to an expired parking meter, for
example. Preferably, whether paying for parking time in a garage or
on a meter, standard methods of payment are accommodated. However,
regardless of the methods of payment accommodated by various
implementations, occupancy of the parking space and sufficiency of
in payment are monitored to determine if a parking space is being
illegally or improperly used.
[0008] Generally, a monitored space can be considered to have two
states: 1) occupied, and 2) vacant. The presence or lack of a
vehicle in a parking space is monitored by a vehicle presence
detector. A vehicle presence detector may sense a vehicle in any of
a variety of manners. For example, the vehicle presence detector
may use magnetic, infrared, motion detection, pressure, temperature
sensing, or acoustic sensing to determine whether a vehicle has
parked in a monitored parking space. Once a vehicle is detected,
the vehicle presence detector generates a space-state signal
indicating that a vehicle is in the parking space. In other
embodiments, a space-state signal could indicate that the parking
space is vacant. In other embodiments, different space-state
signals could be generated when the parking space is vacant and
when it is occupied.
[0009] The space-state signal is communicated to a central computer
system by wired or wireless means, or some combination thereof. For
example, such means may include satellite links, global positioning
system (GPS) links, cellular or traditional telephone links, copper
wire lines or cables, fiber optic links, computer networks or any
combination thereof. In some implementations, the vehicle presence
detector communicates directly with the central computer system, by
such communication means.
[0010] In other implementations, a local transponder proximate to
the monitored space may be used to establish wired or wireless
communication with the vehicle presence detector, wherein the local
transponder may then receive and forward the space-state signal, or
a signal indicative thereof, to the central computer system. The
local transponder may communicate with the central computer system
via any known communication means. Such means may include, for
example, satellite links, cellular or traditional telephone links,
copper wire lines or cables, fiber optic links, computer networks
or any combination thereof.
[0011] When the space-state signal indicates to the central
computer system that a monitored parking space is occupied by a
vehicle, the central computer system then awaits, for a certain
period of time, receipt of an authorization signal from a
corresponding device associated with the monitored space and
configured to accept or facilitate authorization to use the parking
space. If the authorization signal is not received in due time, the
central computer system declares a parking space violation, i.e.,
an illegally parked vehicle.
[0012] A space authorization device, such as a parking meter, may
be provided that accepts an input to authorize use of the parking
space, i.e., via generation of an authorization signal. In the case
of a parking meter, the input may be the insertion of coins, credit
or debit cards, or an account or status based user identification
card to pay meter fees, or otherwise satisfy authorization
requirements. In such a case, the parking meter is equipped with a
meter transceiver that communicates an authorization signal to the
central computer system in response to such inputs. The
authorization signal may be provided directly to the central
computer system or via the local transponder, using any of the
previously discussed communication means. If the vehicle is in the
parking space beyond the time paid for, the transceiver ceases to
send the authorization signal and, if the vehicle is still in the
parking space, the central computer system declares a
violation.
[0013] In accordance with the present invention, a user or vehicle
based portable transceiver may also be used to facilitate automated
payment of meter fees, or the purchase of meter credits. In such
case, the portable transceiver may be configured to provide an
authorization signal to central computer system directly or via the
local transponder, using any of the previously discussed
communication mediums. This authorization signal is provided in
lieu of an authorization signal being provided by the meter
transceiver in response to the insertion of coins into the meter.
The portable transceiver may be configured to accept debit card,
credit card, or prepaid cards for parking as mechanisms for payment
of meter fees or the purchase of meter credits used to pay the
fees, or an ID card or means (e.g., a secure magnetic card or
token). When credits are purchased, they may be "loaded on" the
portable transceiver or stored in an account at, or accessed by,
the central computer system. If a card is not used, user
identification may be input at the portable transceiver to gain
authorization to use the parking space.
[0014] Where portable transceivers are used, the meters having
meter transceivers may be optional. In some implementations, the
portable transceiver and meter transceiver may both be used. In
such implementations, the portable transceiver and meter
transceiver may communicate and one or both may be configured to
provide the authorization signal, either in combination or
independently. Also, the portable transceiver may be configured to
communicate with central computer system via the meter transceiver,
or vice versa.
[0015] The portable transceiver may be used to purchase time in a
parking garage or authorize use of a private parking space. If the
prepaid credits run out or the debit or credit card accounts cease
to provide payment of meter fees, the authorization signal is
terminated and, assuming the vehicle still occupies the parking
space, a violation is declared by the central computer system.
Additionally, the portable transceiver may be configured to provide
an authorization signal that is not indicative of a monetary input,
but is rather indicative of a status or designation where such
monetary input is not required. For example, police, fire, medical,
and government personnel or monthly garage pass holders may have
such status or designation.
[0016] In some implementations, the portable transceiver may be
integral with toll payment tokens, used for automatic payment of
tolls on toll roads, as a single integrated solution. In such a
case, a single user account may be used for payment of tolls and
parking fees, or storage of credits useful to pay tolls and parking
fees. In some implementations, the central computer system may
access a credit or debit account for such payments. In various
implementations, accounts used for payments of tolls and parking
fees may be maintained separately. In other implementations, the
portable transceiver may be integrated into typical handheld
devices, e.g., cell phones, pagers, personal digital assistants,
GPS receivers and so on.
[0017] Central computer system is aware of which parking spaces are
vacant. The portable transceiver may also be configured to request,
either automatically or upon user prompt,, location of a vacant
parking space. In one instance, if the user enters an address or
landmark, the central computer system may provide the closest
available parking space. The portable transceiver may also include,
or be linked to, a GPS receiver. In such a case, given the user's
(and portable transceiver's) location, the current computer system
could provide the closest vacant parking space. Also using GPS, the
portable transceiver could provide directions to such parking
space.
[0018] When a violation is declared, the central computer system
may generate a violation signal and, in response thereto, a meter
monitor may be dispatched to the parking space to issue a parking
ticket or take other appropriate action. The meter monitor may be
equipped with a meter monitor device that allows each of the
vehicle presence detector and transponder to be probed to ensure
they are operating properly. Additionally, the meter monitor device
may also be configured to receive the violation signal, and any
relevant related information. The portable transceiver, meter
transceiver, or both may also be configured to receive the
violation signal and to actuate audio, visual, or both indicators
of the violation condition. The meter monitor device may also
include a GPS receiver and may output a route of spaces in
violation status. The meter monitor device may also output route
directions.
[0019] Central computer system may also be configured to send text
messages, graphic messages, or some combination thereof to the
portable transceiver, meter, meter monitor device, or some
combination thereof. Such messages could relate to warnings,
parking space use limitations or restrictions, e-commerce, or user
account status, as examples. Such messages could also be forwarded
to user electronic devices, such PDAs, cell phones, e-mail
accounts, via any of a variety of known networks, such as the
Internet, Web, and cellular telephone networks.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] The foregoing and other objects of this invention, the
various features thereof, as well as the invention itself, may be
more fully understood from the following description, when read
together with the accompanying drawings, described:
[0021] FIG. 1A through 1C are system level diagrams of parking
status control systems in accordance with the present
invention;
[0022] FIG. 2A is a circuit diagram and FIG. 2B is a perspective
view of the portable transceiver of FIG. 1;
[0023] FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram of the transponder of FIGS.
1A-1C;
[0024] FIG. 4 is a partial cutaway view of the meter monitor device
of FIGS. 1-1C;
[0025] FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of the in-ground detector
of FIGS. 1A-1C;
[0026] FIG. 6 is view of the meter transceiver of FIGS. 1A-1C;
[0027] FIG. 7A through FIG. 7D provide a flow chart of a method
used with the system of FIG. 1A;
[0028] FIG. 8 is system level diagram of an alternative parking
status control system in accordance with the present invention;
[0029] FIG. 9 is system level diagram of a different alternative
parking status control system in accordance with the present
invention;
[0030] FIG. 10 is a system level diagram of a parking status
control system having a wall mounted vehicle presence detector.
[0031] For the most part, and as will be apparent when referring to
the figures, when an item is used unchanged in more than one
figure, it is identified by the same alphanumeric reference
indicator in all figures.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0032] The present invention is a parking status control system and
method, which allows a parking space, or plurality of parking
spaces, to be automatically monitored for unauthorized occupancy.
The system and method may be applied to metered parking spaces or
to other situations where controlled access to a parking space or
area is desired. The presence or lack of a vehicle in a monitored
parking space is determined using a vehicle presence detector,
which communicates a signal indicative of such lack of vehicle
presence to a central system. A user or vehicle based authorization
module is configured to transmit an authorization signal to
facilitate automated satisfaction of fees for a parking space,
e.g., payment of a parking meter. If there is occupancy in a
parking space, but no proper authorization signal, the central
system declares a violation and communicates the violation to
another system or individual charged with taking corrective
action.
[0033] FIG. 1A through FIG. 1C show embodiments of parking status
control system 100 in accordance with the present invention. As is
typical, a parking space 12 is defined by parking iris space lines
12A and 12B, between which a vehicle 11 is parked. Parking space 12
has two possible states, i.e., vacant or occupied, and may be
metered by a parking meter 65, as a space authorization device. In
these embodiments, each parking space includes an in-ground
detector, as a vehicle presence detector unit. Depending on the
embodiment, the vehicle presence detector may be configured to
respond to the presence or lack of a vehicle occupying the
corresponding monitored parking space. Though not visible in FIG.
1A through FIG. 1C, an in-ground detector 50 is positioned in
parking space 12, and oriented similarly to detectors 50' and 50"
in the adjacent parking spaces. There are a variety of manners in
which in-ground detector 50 may sense the presence of vehicle 11
occupying parking space 12, but in the embodiments of FIG. 1A
through FIG. 1C, in-ground detector 50 establishes a magnetic field
within which vehicle 11 can be detected.
[0034] A central computer system 30 serves as a central monitor and
processor of various system resources. Those skilled in the art
will appreciate that central computer system 30 is shown as having
a single computer for illustrative purposes, but that central
computer system 30 may be comprised of several computers,
processors, and/or servers and that there may be several of such
devices collocated, remote to each other, or some combination
thereof. Each parking space, and/or each meter (if used), is
uniquely identified, so that the central computer system 30 can
make specific determinations of which parking spaces are being used
without authorization.
[0035] As long as central computer system 30 is in receipt of the
authorization signal for a given space from a meter or portable
transceiver, central computer system 30 will consider the use by a
vehicle in that parking space to be valid. Such authorization
signals may be provided by either of a meter transceiver 60 or a
portable transceiver 10, which may each be configured to
continually or periodically send the authorization signal. In other
embodiments, the meter transceiver 60 and portable transceiver 10
can be configured to transmit an authorization signal at the start
of a parking session (i.e., upon receipt of a valid input) and then
transmit a termination signal when the parking session is over
(i.e., when the car is vacating the parking space).
[0036] Central computer system 30 may be operated on behalf of a
local police department or municipality, or linked to a local
police department system for automatically issuing parking
citations and/or deploying tow trucks in response to a
determination by central computer system 30 of a parking meter
violation. Such a violation occurs when a vehicle is detected in a
given parking space, but an authorization signal is not provided
within some predefined period of time. In such a case, the identity
of the vehicle must be known to central computer system 30, either
by a data base or system configured for access by central computer
system or through communication with or by a meter monitor 41.
[0037] Communication with central computer system 30 may be
accomplished through a local transponder 20, as is shown in each of
FIG. 1A through FIG. 1C (as well as in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9). The
communication path between transponder 20 and central computer
system 30 is shown as path (or link) 32 in FIG. 1A through FIG. 1C.
Path 32 may be any known wired or wireless communication path or
means. Such means may include, for example, satellite links,
cellular or traditional telephone links, copper wire lines or
cables, fiber optic links, computer networks or any combination
thereof. For example, in FIG. 1A transponder 20 and central
computer 30 communicate, at least in part, via a land line. In FIG.
1B, transponder 20 and central computer system 30 communicate, at
least in part, via a satellite link 32 that includes a satellite
34. In the embodiment of FIG. 1C, in-ground detector 50
communicates directly with central computer system 30 via, at least
in part, a wireless path 32 that includes a satellite 34.
[0038] In some embodiments, diagnostics may be included with the
parking status control system. In such a case, some or all of the
diagnostics may be managed by central computer system 30, through
interaction with transponder 20 (if provided), transceiver 60 (if
provided), in-ground detector 50, portable transceiver 10, or some
combination thereof. Such diagnostic interaction with these various
system components may be direct or via transponder 20, depending on
the implementation.
[0039] In various embodiments, the communication path between
in-ground detector 50 and transponder 20 may be wired, wireless, or
some combination thereof. For example, the communication path
between in-ground detector 50 and transponder 20 is a wireless path
in FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B. However, in other embodiments, the
communication path between in-ground detector 50 and transponder 20
may be a wired network or direct line (e.g., copper, fiber optic,
or cable), such as is FIG. 8 and FIG. 9. In FIG. 1C, a local
transponder is not included.
[0040] Depending on the embodiment, transponder 20 may be
configured to selectively communicate with one or more in-ground
detectors 50. For example, to service a plurality of in-ground
detectors, transponder 20 can be configured to implement a time
division multiplexing scheme for servicing each of the several
in-ground detectors in-turn or transponder 20 can be configured to
passively "listen" to several in-ground detectors. Furthermore, in
FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B transponder 20 is mounted on a pole 21, but
transponder 20 may alternatively be mounted on other surfaces or
items, such as a wall, a sign, or a cable, as examples.
[0041] In FIG. 1A through FIG. 1C portable transponder 10 is
located within vehicle 11. In such cases, portable transceiver 10
may be integrated into the vehicle, as is a radio, for example, and
powered by a vehicle power source (e.g., car battery). When
integral with the vehicle, portable transceiver 10 may be
configured to allow use by a plurality of individuals (depending on
the individual operating the vehicle, for example), requiring a
user specific input at portable transceiver 10 to ensure a proper
user account is accessed for authorization to park in a given
space. In other embodiments, a portable transceiver may be carried
by a user (e.g., the driver of a vehicle). In such cases, the
portable transceiver may be user-based and battery powered, such
that the user can use the portable transceiver, regardless of the
vehicle the user is operating.
[0042] Portable transceiver 10 may be more fully appreciated with
respect to FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B. FIG. 2A shows a block diagram 200
and FIG. 2B shows a perspective exterior view 250 of one embodiment
of a portable transceiver in accordance with the present invention.
According to block diagram 200, an embodiment of a portable
transceiver includes a processor 101, having a central processing
unit (CPU) 103 and various types of memory. The memory includes
program memory 105, which provides long term storage of functional
code, read only memory (ROM) 102, and random access memory (RAM)
115. The portable transceiver is powered by a battery source 108,
which may be any of a number of commonly available power sources.
To facilitate user interaction with the portable transceiver, a
start button 106, stop button 107, display 109 (e.g., light
emitting diode (LED) display), keypad 110, and on/off power switch
111 are provided. In other embodiments, keypad 110, could be an
alphanumeric keypad, allowing input of text messages. Additionally,
display 109 could be configured to display text and graphic
messages.
[0043] The portable transceiver of FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B also include
a card slot 113 and reader 112 that enables use of a card 116 for
the payment of parking fees or purchasing of parking credits using,
for example, a typical credit or debit card. Additionally, card
slot 113 and reader 112 may be used to read a prepaid card of
parking credits or to read a user or vehicle identification card.
When a user or vehicle identification card is used, the
identification of the user or vehicle may be linked to an account
from which parking fees are paid or to a designation of the user or
vehicle for which payment of parking fees is not required for
authorization. Such accounts may be under management of, or
accessed by, central computer system 30. In some embodiments,
portable transceiver 10 may include a magnetic card reader having
encrypted information necessary to generate an authorization signal
stored thereon.
[0044] Certain groups or individuals may not be required to pay
parking fees, such as police department personnel, fire department
personnel, ambulance operators, government officials, pass holders
in a parking garage, or members of a club, as examples. A database
of such groups, individuals or vehicles may be maintained by or
linked to central computer system 30. Therefore, a portable
transceiver for such groups, individuals, or vehicles can be
configured to generate and transmit an authorization signal that is
not indicative of a monetary input, but that does satisfy central
computer system 30 to gain authorization to use a parking space.
Depending on the embodiment, an identification card may be used by
such individuals with ant portable transceiver 10 or meter 65 to
cause generation of the authorization signal.
[0045] In other embodiments, portable transceiver 10 may include
pager, cellular telephone, e-mail, GPS, or personal digital
assistant (PDA) functionality, or some combination thereof. In
various embodiments, portable transceiver functionality may be
integrated into such devices. Portable transceiver 10 is configured
to communicate with central computer system 30, and may also be
configured to communicate with other systems via the Internet and
Web systems, telephone networks, cellular telephone networks, and
so on. Portable transceiver 10 may be linked to such system through
central computer system 30, or via other means. Such systems may
serve as information providers, receivers, or both to portable
transceiver 10, and/or meter transceiver 60 (which could also be
configured with a display capable of displaying text and graphics
messages). In such cases, display 109 of portable transceiver 10
may also be configured to display e-mail messages, e-commerce
information (e.g., ads), pager messages, news and other
informational messages, updates and bulletins.
[0046] Display 109 could also be configured to display alerts, such
as to inform the user that parking space 12 will be not available
for use (e.g., reserved or off limits) during certain periods of
time or beginning at a certain time. For example, the parking space
may be off-limits for snow removal, street cleaning, road work, or
truck deliveries. In such a case, once start button 106 of portable
transceiver 10 is pushed, or authorization of parking space 12 has
been given, central computer system 30 could send a message (e.g.,
scrolling LED message) to display 109 of portable transceiver 10
stating "PARKING IN THIS PARKING SPACE IS PROHIBITED FROM 2:00AM
THROUGH 5:00 AM MONDAY-FRIDAY FOR STREET CLEANING." Central
computer system 30 may also be configured to forward such messages
to the user's e-mail account, cell phone, pager, PDA, or other such
devices. Display 109 may also inform the user that credits
associated with the user's account need to be replenished.
[0047] In other embodiments, a portable transceiver in accordance
with the present invention may be integral with toll payment
tokens, used for automatic payment of tolls on toll roads, as a
single integrated solution. In such a case, a single user account
may be used for payment of tolls and parking fees, or storage of
credits useful to pay tolls and parking fees. In some embodiments,
the central computer system may access a credit or debit account
for such payments. In various embodiments, accounts used for
payments of tolls and parking fees may be maintained
separately.
[0048] FIG. 3 shows a circuit diagram 300 for pole mounted
transponder 20. When included, transponder 20 communicates with
each of in-ground detector 50, meter transceiver 60, and portable
transceiver 10 and provides a means for communication with central
computer system 30 via a wired or wireless link 32, as is shown
variously in FIG. 1A through FIG. 1C. For example, transponder 20
may communicate with central computer system 30 via a communication
means that includes a satellite link. Transponder 20 may also
communicate with a meter monitor device 40 by any of a variety of
communication means discussed herein, such as a satellite link
(e.g., a global positioning system (GPS)). Transponder 20 includes
standard components, such as receiver 22, transmitter 23,
microprocessor 26, ROM 27, and modem 24. In the preferred form,
transmitter 23 and receiver 22 provide an interface to portable
transceiver 10, in-ground detector 50 and meter transceiver 60, and
possibly GPS. Modem 24 provides an interface to central computer
system 30. The various communications between these devices may
vary, depending on the configuration and functionality of devices
included.
[0049] FIG. 4 is a partial cutaway view 400 of the meter monitor
device 40, wherein the cutaway shows a simplified circuit diagram.
Meter monitor device 40 includes a transmitter 42, receiver 43 and
microprocessor 44, and is powered by battery 45. In the preferred
embodiment, transmitter 42 and receiver 43 facilitate two-way
communications with central computer system 30 via wireless means
previously discussed, or with transponder 20 (if provided) and
in-ground detector 50 to perform the probing operations previously
discussed. For example, meter monitor device 40 may communicate
with central computer 30 via a satellite or GPS link. To perform
probing operations, meter monitor device 40 includes a set of
diagnostic signal generation logic, used to provide test signals or
information request signals to a device being probed (e.g.,
transponder 20, vehicle presence detector 50, or meter 65).
[0050] Meter monitor device 40 may also be configured to
communicate with portable transceiver 10 or central control system
30 to obtain user identification information, issue parking
citations or warnings, and/or send text messages to the user/owner
of portable transceiver 10 or central computer system 30. Such
information and messages may be stored at portable transceiver 10
or at central computer system 30, or at some other system linked
thereto, or forwarded via the Internet and Web. Central computer
system 30, for example, may be configured to receive messages from
central computer system 30 and to forward such messages and
information to a cell phone, pager, personal digital assistant or
e-mail device or account associated with the user. Interfaces may
also be provided to transponder 20 to facilitate communication with
central computer system 30, for the various embodiments discussed
herein. While meter monitor device 40 is depicted as being a
handheld device, in other embodiments meter monitor device 41 may
be integral with a vehicle (e.g., a patrol car of an enforcement
organization).
[0051] In other embodiments, the meter monitor device 40 may
include a greater compliment of functionality. For example, the
violation signal, or a corresponding signal, could be forwarded
from the central computer system 30 to meter monitor device 40 to
automatically inform the meter monitor 41 of the illegally parked
vehicle. Such communication could be via any manner of wireless
means, such as via satellite links, GPS links, cell phone links, or
via the system's transponders (e.g., transponder 20). If meter
monitor device 40 is configured to receive the violation signal,
the meter violation signal could identify the meter and/or its
location on a display of the meter monitor device 40, e.g., meter
ABC, 12 Main Street, Town/City. It could also cause an alert (e.g.,
a tone or flashing red light) to be actuated at meter monitor
device 40. If the identity of the user or vehicle were known to the
central computer system 30, the meter monitor device 40 may also be
configured to provide that or similar information to meter monitor
41.
[0052] If there were several violations occurring simultaneously,
central computer system 30 may be configured to prioritize the
violations based on any number of criteria, such as geographic
proximity or time in unauthorized use state. If a meter monitor 41
has a dedicated geographic region of responsibility, central
computer system 30 may provide the prioritized list and an
accompanying route to meter monitor device 40. Preferably, such
route is an optimized path to the various violations. A GPS link
may be provided to facilitate generation of such routes.
[0053] FIG. 5 shows a cross section diagram 500 of in-ground
detector 50 (i.e., a vehicle presence detector) of the embodiments
of FIG, 1A through FIG. 1C. In one embodiment, once a vehicle is
detected in parking space 12, a space-state signal produced by the
vehicle presence detector indicating that space 12 is vacant is no
longer received by central computer system 30. In such an
embodiment, in-ground detector 50 may cease transmission upon
detection of vehicle 11. In yet another embodiment, in-ground
detector 50 may be configured to continuously transmit a
space-state signal, such as a simple pulse of energy, which is not
received by central computer system 30 when vehicle 11 occupies
parking space 12, due to the fact that a vehicle in parking space
12 physically blocks the wireless communication path between
in-ground detector 50 and transponder 20 or satellite 34, depending
on the embodiment. In yet another embodiment, in-ground detector 50
may be configured to transmit a signal at each change of state,
i.e., from vacant to occupied and from occupied to vacant. In other
embodiments, in-ground detector 50 may be configured to transmit a
space-occupancy signal when parking space 12 is occupied and cease
to transmit the space-state signal when parking space 12 is vacant.
In yet other embodiments, in-ground detector 50 may transmit a
space-unoccupied signal when parking space 12 is vacant and
transmit a space-occupied signal when a vehicle is parked in space
12.
[0054] In the embodiments of FIG. 1A through 1C, in-ground detector
50 is located in a cavity in the pavement of its corresponding
parking space 12. Preferably, the cavity is defined by a canister
57 having a removable cap 51 that is substantially flush with the
surface of pavement 56. The in-ground detector 50 may also be
located within a container 52. Such a configuration allows greater
protection of in-ground unit 50 during storage, transport, and
location within canister 57, and facilitates removal of in-ground
unit 50 (while remaining within container 52) for maintenance and
replacement.
[0055] In-ground detector 50 includes an antenna 53 that
facilitates communication with transponder 20 (if provided) and
meter monitor device 40, as previously described. In this
embodiment, the vehicle sensing mechanism is a magnetic sensing
unit 54 that, through its magnetic field, detects the presence of a
vehicle above. With such a magnetic sensing unit 54, it is
important that container 52, canister 57 and cap 51 do not perturb
or interfere with (e.g., shield) the magnetic field interaction
between a vehicle above and magnetic sensing unit 54. A group of
electronics 55, including a microprocessor and associated memory,
carry out the aforementioned functionality of in-ground detector
50, such as the generation, transmission, reception and processing
of messages exchanged with transponder 20 (if provided) and meter
monitor device 40. In-ground unit 50 of FIG. 1A through 1C is a
relatively low power device that may be powered by any of a number
of known battery types. Alternatively, power could be provided to
container 57, canister 52, or electronics 55 via an in-ground AC or
other DC source.
[0056] In other various embodiments, a vehicle presence detector
may be mounted on, coupled to, or integral with a wall (see FIG.
10), a curb (see FIG. 9), pole, a cable, or meter adjacent to a
parking space (see FIG. 8). Depending on the messaging and
communication scheme between the vehicle presence detector and
transponder 20 (when provided), a line of sight path between the
two may or may not need to be maintained. In other embodiments, the
vehicle presence detector and transponder may be collocated with or
integrated into a single module, and that module may be located
in-ground or mounted on, coupled to, or integral with a pole, wall,
meter, curb, cable, or the like. For example, in FIG. 8 transponder
20' and vehicle presence detectors 52A and 52B (monitoring space
12) are integral with meter 65' and transponder 20" and vehicle
presence detectors 52C (monitoring space 13) and 52D are integral
with meter 65". In FIG. 10, vehicle presence detectors 51A and 51B
are mounted to wall 1000.
[0057] In yet other embodiments, the vehicle presence detector
(e.g., in-ground detector 50) may communicate directly with central
computer system 30 and transponder 20 may be omitted. This
communication may be by wired or wireless means (shown in FIG. 1C),
or some combination thereof. Such means may include, for example,
satellite links, cellular or traditional telephone links, copper
wire lines or cables, fiber optic links, computer networks or any
combination thereof. For example, in FIG. 1C, in-ground detector 50
and central computer system 30 communicate via a satellite link 32
that includes satellite 34. In yet other embodiments, in-ground
detector 50 may be configured to communicate with central computer
system 30 via meter transceiver 60, if provided.
[0058] FIG. 6 shows a parking meter 65 configured with meter
transceiver 60, in accordance with the present invention.
Preferably, meter transceiver 60 is configured to fit within a
standard meter housing or to couple thereto. Meter transceiver 60
includes a transmitter 61, receiver 62, and microprocessor 63 that
are driven, preferably, by a battery power source 64. Transmitter
61 and receiver 62 provide a communications interface with
transponder 20 (if provided), as previously discussed. For example,
meter transceiver 60 communicates an authorization signal to
central computer system 30 via transponder 20 (if provided) in
response to coin inputs at the meter. Otherwise, meter transceiver
60 communicates directly with central computer system 30 via, for
example, a satellite link. In various embodiments, transmitter 61
and receiver 62 may also, or alternatively, be configured to
communicate with in-ground unit 50, meter monitor device 40, and/or
portable transceiver 10. As previously noted, meter 65 and meter
transceiver 60 may not be required in the present invention, but
may be included to provide an alternate means to that of portable
transceiver 10 for providing an authorization signal to central
computer system 30. In other embodiments, portable transceiver 10
may be omitted, in reliance on meter 65 and meter transceiver
60.
[0059] Meter transceiver 60 is preferably configured to communicate
with central computer system 30 in response to receipt of a valid
input to authorize use of parking space 12. The valid input to
meter 65 causes the generation and transmission of an authorization
signal provided by meter transceiver 60, as an alternative to
generation and transmission of an authorization signal by portable
transceiver 10. As an example, an authorization signal transmitted
by meter transceiver 60 provides an indication to central computer
30 that meter 65 has received coin, credit card or debit card
payment of meter parking fees.
[0060] Other types of valid inputs may also be accommodated, such
as a signal from portable transceiver 10 to meter transceiver 60, a
prepaid parking card input, and user and/or vehicle identification
input, wherein said identification is correlated to an account for
payment or a designation that such user or vehicle is not to be
charged for parking. That is, in various embodiments of the present
invention, in addition to, or instead of, typical coin inputs,
meter transceiver 60 can generate, and central computer system 30
can process, an authorization signal based on inputs indicative of
monetary credits, financial account information, or a user or
vehicle based authorization not to charge for parking.
[0061] In some embodiments, when meter 65 or a like device is
included, central computer system 30 may be configured to
communicate messages to meter transceiver 60. For example, if
central computer system 30 is aware that there is a vehicle
occupying space 12, but an authorization signal has not been
received in due time, a violation is declared. Central computer
system 30 may send a violation signal to meter transceiver 60,
causing meter 65 to take any of a variety of actions, e.g., light a
flashing red light at meter 65, sound a tone at meter 65, or both.
Additionally, a camera (or other imaging device) may be coupled or
linked to a meter, transponder, or vehicle presence detector and
upon receipt of a violation signal, the camera could be configured
to take moving or still images of the vehicle illegally occupying
the parking space.
[0062] FIG. 7A through FIG. 7D show one embodiment of a method that
may be implemented with the system of FIG. 1A. In such an
embodiment, central computer system 30 has information indicating
that parking space 12 is vacant (i.e., a vacant state), shown as
step 702 in flowchart 700 of FIG. 7A. This determination is made by
central computer system 30 based on the receipt or absence of a
signal from in-ground detector 50 indicating whether or not space
12 is occupied, in step 704. In-ground detector 50 periodically
sends the space-state signal to central computer 30 via transponder
20, in step 706, while parking space 12 is vacant. Local
transponder 20 may also, optionally, monitor the technical
integrity of in-ground detector 50, in step 708. Returning to step
704, once in-ground detector 50 senses the presence of a vehicle in
parking space 12, in this case vehicle 11, central computer system
30 no longer receives the space-state signal from in-ground
detector 50, in steps 710 and 712, via local transponder 20.
[0063] Once central computer system 30 is alerted to the presence
of a vehicle in parking space 12, in step 714, central computer
system 30 may be configured to await (or "listen" for) a signal
from a corresponding portable transceiver 10, in step 716. If such
a signal is not received within, for example a grace period,
central computer 30 alternatively awaits, in step 766, an
authorization signal from meter 65 in response to a valid meter
input. When a user inserts coins into meter 65 (as an example of
one type of valid meter input), the meter transceiver 60 generates
and transmits an authorization (or "in use") signal to central
computer 30 via transponder 20 (if provided), in step 768. If
configured with a card reader, other types of valid meter inputs
may include credit, debit, prepaid, or user identification card
inputs or communications from portable transceiver 10. In such a
case, steps 718 through 764 may also be accommodated for meter 65.
Entry of a PIN would require meter 65 to also include a keypad, as
discussed below.
[0064] In step 716, the awaited signal may be a transmitted by
portable transceiver 10 as an indication that portable transceiver
10 is powered on. The user may be given a grace period (e.g., 5
minutes) to power on his portable transceiver and produce the
signal. In lieu of meter 65 inputs, to commence authorization, user
identification, and/or electronic payment of parking fees using
portable transceiver 10, the user of vehicle 11 presses start
button 106, in step 718, and an identification of portable
transceiver 10 (or a transceiver ID) is transmitted to central
computer system 30 via transponder 20 (if provided), in step 720.
Central computer system 30 transmits an acknowledgement message
back to portable transceiver 10, in step 724, which includes a
request for debit card, credit card, and/or other user
identification information, and may provide parking rate
information for space 12. The parking rate, which may vary for
different time periods, is known to central computer system 30
(e.g., stored in a database) or communicated by a system linked to
central computer system 30 or by meter transceiver 60.
[0065] To pay the parking fees, the user swipes a debit, credit,
prepaid, or identification card through card slot 113 and the
account or identification information is read and preferably
encrypted by processor 101, in step 726. The encrypted account or
identification information is transmitted by transmitter 15 to
central computer system 30 via transponder 20 (if provided), in
step 728. Where a user identification or prepaid parking fee card
is used, the card may still be swiped through slot 113 with
relevant identification, payment information, or both transmitted
to central computer system 30. In other embodiments, a card may not
be needed, but rather only a username, password, personal
identification number (PIN) or both, input via keypad 110.
[0066] Referring to FIG. 7C, in step 730, assuming a card 116 was
used, a determination is made by central computer system 30 of
whether the received, and decrypted, debit card, credit card,
prepaid card, or identification information is valid by, for
example, querying a third party debit or credit issuer system to
facilitate payment of parking fees. If the information can not be
confirmed as valid, central computer system 30 transmits an
"invalid card" message to receiver 14 of portable transceiver 10,
in step 732. The "invalid card" message is displayed in display 109
of portable transceiver 10. The process then returns to step 766 of
FIG. 7B to determine if the timer has expired. If the account
information or user identification information is determined to be
valid, in step 734, the central computer system 30 sends a PIN
request to portable transceiver 10, which is displayed in display
109, in step 736.
[0067] Using keypad 110, the user enters a PIN, in step 738, which
is encrypted and transmitted to central computer system 30, in step
740. As previously mentioned, if the user has pre-paid credits
managed by central computer system 30, swiping of a credit or debit
card would not be needed, although a user or vehicle identification
may still be required. In step 742, determination of the validity
of the PIN is made by central computer system 30. This is done by
comparing the PIN with a database of PINs associated with specific
transceivers, users, vehicles, or some combination thereof accessed
by central computer system 30. Preferably, if the PIN is determined
not to be valid, a counter is started, in step 744, and the user is
given three chances, in step 746, to enter the correct PIN, as an
example. If unsuccessful, the PIN is determined to no longer be
valid, in step 748, and the process returns to step 766 of FIG. 7B
to determine if the timer has expired.
[0068] If the PIN is determined to be valid, in step 742, central
computer system 30 sends, for example, an "in use" message to
receiver 14 of portable transceiver 10 and commences time
measurement, in step 750. In response, in step 752, processor 101
causes a light 120 (e.g., an LED) to be lit or to flash and
portable transceiver 10 transmits a sequence of "in use
acknowledgement" signals (or authorization signals) to central
computer system 30. Preferably, in response to receipt of each "in
use acknowledgment" signal, or periodically during use, at the
conclusion of use, or upon request, central computer system 30
sends a signal to portable transceiver 10 indicating the cumulative
amount charged, which is shown in display 109, in step 754 of FIG.
7D.
[0069] When payment is required, central computer system 30
continues to charge fees so long as the user has not terminated the
session, or if the meter goes into an "off" state where it no
longer requires payment of parking fees for use. At the portable
transceiver 10, the processor 101 continues to monitor stop button
107 and receiver 14 to determine whether the portable transceiver
10 should cease sending the "in use acknowledgement" or
authorization signal, in step 756. If an interrupt signal is
detected, in step 758, processor 101 determines if the interrupt
signal was generated because vehicle 11 drove out of range, in step
762, or whether stop button 107 was depressed, in step 760. Either
case causes the charges or consumption of credits associated with
the user of portable transceiver 10 to be terminated and processor
101 ceases sending the "in use acknowledgement" authorization
signal to central computer system 30, in step 764. And, the final
accumulated charges are communicated to the debit or credit card
issuer and the municipality or private owner of the monitored
parking space is paid the accumulated parking fees. In the case of
a prepaid card, the prepaid card is debited to pay the municipality
or private owner of the monitored parking space. The process then
returns to connector A of FIG. 7A, where the parking status and
control system awaits the next vehicle.
[0070] As briefly discussed above, in other embodiments, rather
than debiting or charging the payment amount, the user may
purchase, or have previously purchased, parking credits. The
parking credits may be stored in an account at central computer
system 30 or a system linked thereto and used when a valid PIN,
transceiver ID, user identification, vehicle identification, or
some combination thereof are received, as described above.
Optionally, credits could be is "loaded on" portable transceiver 10
and transferred to central computer system 30 to pay parking fees.
The parking status control system may also be configured such that
the user can buy parking credits, using a debit or credit card, as
discussed above, or may be able to purchase a prepaid parking fee
card with credits stored thereon for use with either of portable
transceiver 10 or meter 65. In these various embodiments, the
system may be configured such that a user can establish a cap limit
on the parking fees to be charged to a credit or debit card or on
the credits to be used. For persons or vehicles that are not to be
charged parking fees, receipt of the transceiver ID, PIN, group
identification, user identification, vehicle identification or some
combination thereof by central computer system 30 may be sufficient
to authorize use of parking space 12 via portable transceiver 10
and, if included, meter 65.
[0071] Returning to step 766 of FIG. 7B, if an authorization signal
from meter 65 was not received, and a portable transceiver 10
signal was not received in step 716, central computer system 30
designates vehicle 11 as illegally parked, in step 772. Upon such
designation, or shortly thereafter, central computer system 30
generates a space (or meter) violation signal. The violation signal
includes an identification or location, or both of parking space
12, meter 65 or both. Central computer system 30 may transmit the
meter violation signal to transceiver 60 of meter 65 to place meter
65 in an alarm state, wherein a red light of meter 65 may flash in
response to the violation signal. In the preferred embodiment, in
step 774, a meter monitor 41 is dispatched to parking space 12 and
meter 65 (if provided).
[0072] Meter monitor 41 may be equipped with portable meter monitor
device 40, as previously described, configured to probe in-ground
detector 50 and transponder 20 (if provided) to verify that they
are operating properly, in steps 776 and 778. A visual inspection
of meter 65 may be accomplished to ensure there is no time left on
the meter, in step 780. If everything is working properly and the
paid for time on portable transceiver 10 or meter 65 has expired,
meter monitor 41 issues a ticket to vehicle 11, in step 782. Once
vehicle 11 vacates parking space 12, in step 784, in-ground
detector 50 detects the vacancy and reestablishes communication
with central computer system 30 and returns to connector A of FIG.
7A and awaits the next vehicle.
[0073] In the event that central computer system 30 stops receiving
an authorization signal while vehicle 11 is still present in
parking space 12, a timer may be started that gives the user a
period of time (e.g., 5 minutes), to have a new authorization
signal provided to central computer system 30. In such a case, if
central computer system 30 has determined that parking space 12 is
occupied beyond the grace period without receipt of an
authorization signal from meter transceiver 60 or portable
transceiver 10 central computer system 30 designates parking space
12 to be in an unauthorized use or illegally occupied state, as in
step 772 of FIG. 7B, and the process proceeds as discussed
above.
[0074] Authorization may be ceased after commencement in any of a
variety of manners. This situation can occur if portable
transceiver 10 runs out of prepaid parking credits or an account
that is being charged or debited to pay for parking ceases to allow
such charges or debits. If central computer system 30 accesses a
debit or credit account associated with the user (or vehicle) of
portable transceiver 10 or meter 65 (if provided), and the funds in
that account are exhausted or not available, central computer
system 30 will no longer be in receipt of an authorization signal.
In the case of meter 65, user inserted currency may be used up,
causing meter transceiver 60 to cease transmission of the
authorization signal. If meter 65 was satisfied using credits
associated with the portable transceiver 10 or associated with a
prepaid parking card, and those credits were consumed, meter
transceiver 60 would no transmit an authorization signal.
[0075] FIG. 8 shows an alternative embodiment to those shown in
FIG. 1A through FIG 1C. In this embodiment, meters 65' and 65" are
modified forms of meter 65 of FIG. 1A. Instead of in-ground
detectors, vehicle presence detectors are mounted to the meters 65'
and 65". Vehicle presence detectors 52A-52D each monitor a parking
space. Vehicle presence detector 52B monitors parking space 12 and
vehicle presence detector 52C monitors parking space 13. Like
in-ground detector 50, vehicle presence detectors 52A-52D may be
configured to detect the presence or absence of a vehicle in any of
a variety of manners. The vehicle presence detectors are linked via
communication path 36.
[0076] Also, in FIG. 8, rather than pole mounted transponder 20, a
transponder is coupled to each meter device. That is, transponder
20' is mounted to meter 65' and transponder 20" is mounted to meter
65". Although, there need not be a transponder coupled to every
meter, since multiple meters, linked via communication path 36,
could use the same transponder. As is shown, like the vehicle
presence detectors 52A-52D, transponders 20' and 20" are coupled to
communication path 36. Meter transceivers 60' and 60" are also
coupled to communication path 36. However, transponders 20' and 20"
communicate by wireless means with central computer system 30 in
this embodiment, for example via a link including satellite 34.
Signals communicated between the transponders 20' and 20" and
central computer system 30 are substantially those already
discussed (e.g., authorization signals).
[0077] FIG. 9 shows yet a different embodiment of a parking status
control system in accordance with the present invention. In this
embodiment, vehicle presence detectors are mounted to a curb 17.
Vehicle presence detector 51A monitors parking space 12 and vehicle
presence detector 51B monitors parking space 13. Vehicle presence
detectors 51A and 51B are coupled via communication path 36 (e.g.,
copper wire, coax cable, or fiber optic cable). Transponder 20'" is
a pole mounted transponder, mounted curbside and also coupled to
communication path 36. Therefore, signals indicative of the
presence or lack of a vehicle are communicated to transponder 20'"
via wired means in this embodiment. However, transponder
20'.varies. communicates by wireless means to central computer
system 30, such as by a link that includes satellite 34.
[0078] FIG. 10 shows an embodiment wherein vehicle presence
detectors 51A and 51B are mounted to wall 1000. Such an
implementation may be useful in a parking garage setting, or in a
public meter parking space setting. Vehicle presence detector 51A
monitors the space 12 and vehicle presence detector 51B monitors
space 13. Once vehicle presence detector 51A detects vehicle 11,
the corresponding signal may be communicated to central computer
system 30 via communication means 32. A meter 65A, substantially
similar to meter 65 may also be included. Meter 65A may also
communicate with central computer system 30 via communication means
32. Additionally, a receiver (or a transponder) may also be
included to facilitate receipt of an authorization signal by a
portable transceiver 10. Such a receiver may be integral with the
vehicle presence detectors or meters, or may be separate
modules.
[0079] In some embodiments, a transceiver, whether a portable
transceiver of meter transceiver, may be configured to read
information from a magnetic card to generate a authorization
signals. In other embodiments, the transceiver may be configured to
read bio-information, for example, through retinal scans, hand or
fingerprint scans, facial recognition and so on. Such types of
bio-information scanning and receivers exist in the art, so are not
discussed in detail herein.
[0080] In some embodiments, the parking status control system may
include functionality that assists a user in finding a vacant
parking space, whether in a parking garage or for public parking
spaces. In such a case a link to a GPS system module may be
integral with the portable transceiver, central computer system, or
both. Given information in the central computer system's 30
databases, unoccupied spaces can be determined and uniquely
identified. With GPS, the location of the portable transceiver 10
can be determined. Since the location of vacant spaces is also
known, the GPS module can determine the closest parking space to
the portable transceiver, and provide directions if needed.
Additionally, if the user enters an address (or landmark) into the
portable transceiver (assuming appropriate input means are
included), the parking status control system can determine the
closest available space to the entered address. As yet another
option, the parking status control system may be configured to
reserve such spaces for a user of the portable transceiver. In such
a case, the meter may display a "RESERVED" of "IN USE"
messages.
[0081] The invention may be embodied in other specific forms
without departing from the spirit or central characteristics
thereof. For example, the various components may be implemented in
private parking garages to ensure proper parking and facilitate
payment of associated parking, or garage entrance, fees. The
present embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects
as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention
being indicated by appending claims rather than by the foregoing
description, and all changes that come within the meaning and range
of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced
therein.
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